McDonald extending Saddlers loan

09 October 2009 01:12

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Central defender Clayton McDonald is staying at Walsall for a second month on loan from Manchester City.
The 20-year old has impressed in his first month at the Banks's Stadium with the Saddlers losing only one of his six league outings to date.
"He's done well, he's a young player and he's got lots to learn still," boss Chris Hutchings told BBC WM.
"But this is where you learn your trade, so to speak, coming down from a big club."
Hutchings played alongside McDonald's father Rodney during his playing days at Walsall, and he can see the similarities.
"He's like his dad - he wants to win. Rodney didn't like to get beat," the former Bradford and Wigan boss noted.
"He doesn't want to play in the reserves at Manchester City, and when you get a taste of first team football that's what you want."
In recent weeks the giant McDonald has been partnering Mark Hughes in the centre of the Saddlers defence - and his new team-mate says he is an immense presence.
"His is big, and a couple of times strikers we were playing against asked me how they could get past him," Hughes said.
"He's what - 6ft 6ins? And the same width-wise as well, but fair play to him he can move as well, he's not just a big unit. He can shift."
McDonald and Hughes are set to keep their places in Walsall's starting line-up for Saturday's trip to the MK Dons.